Hagen Smith Officially Signs with White Sox, Smashes Razorback, MLB Record

Originally posted on Arkansas Razorbacks on SI
By Daniel Shi | Last updated Jul 23, 2024 11:50 AM ET

The records just keep pouring in for now former Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith. Smith officially signed with the Chicago White Sox after being selected No. 5 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, inking the highest signing bonus for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history.

No. 5 overall pick Hagen Smith signs w/@WhiteSox for $8 million (slot = $7,763,700). Breaks Brendan McKay's record ($7,005,000) for LHP. @RazorbackBSB, set NCAA D-I record with 17.3 K/9, deceptive 94-97 mph fastball that reaches 100, mid-80s slider w/sweep & depth. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/MjvVuMduJo
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 23, 2024

Smith earned $236,300 more than his slot value of $7,763,700 and broke Brendan McKay's 2017 record of $7 million for the highest bonus for a southpaw hurler.

He also surpasses the Razorback record previously held by Heston Kjerstad with a signing bonus of $5.2 million. Smith becomes the 12th player in MLB history to receive a signing bonus of $8 million or more, joining fellow 2024 draftees Charlie Condon, Travis Bazzana and Chase Burns.

It officially caps a storybook college career that included a program record 360 strikeouts across 233 innings and an NCAA D1 record 17.3 K/9 in his final season to go along with a consensus First-Team All-American selection.

Three of Smith's Razorback teammates have also signed. Peyton Stovall signed for $625,000 with the Reds after being drafted in the second round. Ben McLaughlin and Jake Faherty signed for $75,000 and $200,000 dollars with their respective pro clubs.

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This article first appeared on Arkansas Razorbacks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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